Rehabilitation of Gravel Pits and Quarries for Biodiversity

Biological diversity has been defined by the Ontario Wildlife Working Group as "the variety of wildlife species, the
genetic variability of each species, and the variety of different ecosystems they form". Aggregate extraction has an
important role in maintaining a mix of landscapes, habitats and species. Rehabilitated extraction sites can provide
the necessary habitats for unique plant and animal communities and may act as havens for rare or threatened
species. In some cases, extraction has led to the expansion of a species range, and the industry is one of the few
that is creating new valuable wetland and cliff habitats. Observations of abandoned extraction sites in Ontario
demonstrate that biodiversity can be achieved with sometimes dramatic results. Several such sites are described.
Information from these sites can be used to develop rehabilitation techniques that will enhance biodiversity at current
extraction operations. Landform and waterbody design as well as various planting techniques will be discussed.